Getting older doesn’t mean getting wiser for Canadian twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin, and it does not have to be like this. In 2009 they were stepping into their thirties and a ten year long career marked by “Sainthood” but this year they decided to take a trip down memory lane exploring pop idols and reinventing their established indie guitar melodies.
“Heartthrob” is all about their youths’ emotions and obsessions and from the opening single “Closer”, things get physical and with a hand on approach through heavy synths. “Goodbye, Goodbye” continues on the same mood with their voices spanning from Taylor Swift-ism to dramatic 80’s style. It is definitely their most commercial album and also the first ballad “I Was A Fool” confirms this with its conventional lyrics.
The rest of the album is hyper-sugary, perfect for the summer time and 90’s lovers. It is a revival seen through these sisters that thanks to their chemistry manage to raise the stakes sounding catchy but never ingenue. Among the producers there is Greg Kurstin (Pink and Kelly Clarkson), and with its synthpop overdose “Heartthrob” wants to be an easy listening without limiting Tegan and Sara mature point of view.